What Makes you Feel Good? Harnessing the Power of Positive Emotions
This is the second in a 7-part series on the PERMAH model, a framework developed by Dr. Martin Seligman to support our overall well-being.[1]
Last week, I described an overview of the PERMAH model which stands for Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment and Health. Today, we are focusing on P for Positive Emotions.
Consider the question, what makes you feel good consistently as you manage your fibromyalgia and chronic illness? What are things you can do that are pretty much guaranteed to uplift your mood when you are struggling with symptoms and feeling discouraged?
For me it’s always about connecting with beloved friends and family. This morning I talked with my dear friend Linda Sabic Elliott. You may recognize her name because she did the illustrations for my book!
Another thing that generated positive emotions for me today was my long term client Laurie, whose name you may also recognize from my book, sent me a photo of the cutest puppy she had the opportunity to babysit for a couple of hours this week. She gave me permission to share it with you as well! Looking at this photo of the puppy together today during Laurie’s coaching session brought us so much joy. The puppy is a micro long hair Chihuahua for those of you who are wondering. Laurie said the time she spent with this puppy chased away a difficult mood she had been struggling with.
Positive emotions can be generated by big things like planning for a milestone birthday celebration with a beloved friend but they can also be cultivated by little things like a photo of a cute puppy.
Glimmers are Good for Our Mental Health
Recently I came across the concept of “glimmers.” According to an article posted by the Newport Institute. [2] Glimmers are tiny micro moments of joy-fleeting everyday moments that elicit a rush of happiness, gratitude calm, peace, safety and good will.
- The practice of noticing and appreciating glimmers can cue your nervous system to relax and have a positive effect on your mental health.
- To increase the odds of noticing glimmers, spend time in places that nourish you, connect with people you enjoy, limit screen time, and practice mindfulness.
- Some examples of glimmers include:
- Spotting a rainbow
- Hearing your favorite song in the grocery store
- Feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin
- Getting a hug just when you need it
- Delighting in an out-of-the-blue phone call from a friend you were just thinking about
- Stopping to smell flowers in bloom
- Enjoying the feel of the sand between your toes while walking along a beach
- Relishing the taste of your morning coffee or afternoon tea
- Listening to the birds chirp in a nearby tree
- Looking at a photograph of someone you love
- Watching a child laugh or a puppy frolic
- Appreciating the barista who smiles at you while handing over your coffee, or the driver who slows down to let you cross the street
- Enjoying a compliment on your new haircut or outfit
- Gazing at the stars on a clear night or snow falling on a quiet winter day
Noticing and focusing on glimmers can help our nervous system relax and regulate and this is always a good thing for managing our fibromyalgia. What glimmers have you had recently? I’d love to hear from you.
It’s Easy to Schedule a Time to Talk
And if you could use some help with this, maybe you’re really at a loss to find anything positive in your situation, well, I’ve been there too. I’d love to have a conversation with you to see if working with a health coach like me could help you take control of your fibromyalgia rather than having it control you. You can schedule a Free consultation HERE.
